A Surprise Proposal on the White Sands of Izu – Robert & Anechka’s Story

boztsutomu
Jul 3
4 min read

proposal at a white sand beach in shimoda

Planning a surprise proposal in a foreign country isn’t easy—but when it all comes together, the results are unforgettable.

Robert, visiting from the United States, reached out to us with a very special plan. He had met his girlfriend Anechka about a year and a half ago, and their relationship had grown deeply since then. Now, he felt ready to take the next step—and wanted to surprise her with a proposal during their trip to Japan.

Searching for the Perfect Beach

a couple session at white sand beach in Izu

Robert knew Anechka had always dreamed of a wedding by the sea—especially on white sandy beaches. So he began searching for a place in Japan that could match that vision.

One of the first beaches that popped up was Shirahama in Wakayama, a well-known white sand beach. But with its location far from Tokyo, it wasn’t quite practical for their travel plans. That’s when he reached out to us for advice.

We suggested another hidden gem: Shirahama Beach in Shimoda, on the Izu Peninsula.

About Shirahama Beach, Shimoda

Shirahama Beach (literally “white beach”) in Shimoda is one of the most beautiful seaside spots in eastern Japan. Known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise water, it’s a favorite summer getaway among locals—and often packed with beachgoers during July and August.

But in early spring, it’s a completely different scene.

In March, the beach is peaceful and quiet, with hardly anyone around. When we arrived, it felt like Robert and Anechka had the entire shoreline to themselves. It was as if the beach had transformed into their own private hideaway—just the two of them and the sound of the waves.

It’s located near the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by express train, or 3.5 to 4 hours by car. The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, calm atmosphere, and coastal charm.

A Seaside Getaway with a Hidden Plan

To keep the surprise, Robert planned a little getaway with Anechka to see Japan’s beautiful coastline. They stayed at a local hotel in Shimoda the night before. The hotel offered a “commemorative photo session” for guests, so he used that as a reason to bring her to the beach, where we met up under the radar.

We began the session just as a normal couple photoshoot—wandering along the beach, taking in the ocean view, and capturing some relaxed portraits. For early March, the weather was surprisingly warm and comfortable, perfect for a slow, quiet morning by the sea.

Well… except for one thing: the wind.

A Change of Plans, and a Secret Cave

The strong sea breeze made it hard for Anechka to enjoy the shoot fully, with her hair constantly blown around. At one point, Robert whispered to me, “I don’t want to propose when her hair’s all wild in the wind—it wouldn’t be fair to her.”

So, we made a spontaneous decision.

I suggested a nearby spot—a secret cave hidden just 15 minutes away by car. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and tucked away from the wind and tourists, it was the perfect, quiet place. There, alone in nature, Robert finally got down on one knee.

Anechka was completely surprised—and absolutely said yes.

After the big moment, we took a little time to pause and let the emotions settle in. Then we picked up the camera again for a second round of couple portraits—this time as an engaged couple.

And something about the mood had shifted.

Maybe it was just in the air, or maybe it was them—but the two seemed even closer than before, standing side by side in a quiet glow of shared joy.

The light filtering into the cave was soft and golden, creating the perfect setting for a series of quiet, intimate shots. The space felt sacred somehow—calm, hidden, and just theirs for a moment. A beautiful end to a very special day.

Back at the Hotel – Soft Light and Quiet Moments

After the cave session, we returned to the hotel where Robert and Anechka were staying. Their room overlooked the ocean, and the atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful—perfect for continuing the shoot without pressure.

We took a few more portraits in their room, soaking in the gentle light and stillness after all the excitement. The hotel grounds also offered small, hidden corners filled with charm: a quiet garden just below the property, and even a tiny beach tucked away at the bottom of a path. These unexpected pockets of beauty made for the perfect last chapter of their proposal story.

Thinking of Proposing in Japan?

Engagement photo session at a beach reseort in Izu, Japan

At bozphoto & styles, we specialize in helping couples create unforgettable moments in Japan. Whether you want your proposal to be a total surprise or part of a couple session that builds up to the big question, we’ll help you plan everything—from location ideas and timing to backup plans for unexpected weather.

Every love story is different, and we’re here to help you tell yours, one frame at a time.

📍 Learn more about our Proposal Photography Sessions in Japan

https://www.bozphoto.com/proposalplan